Town of Hanson - Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes – Hanson Town Hall
January 10, 2012 – 7:30 p.m.
Members Present: Stephen Amico, James Egan, Richard Flynn, Donald Howard and David Soper
Members Absent:
Others Present: Town Administrator Rene’ J. Read and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini
I 7:31 p.m.~~~~~~~Chairman Amico called the meeting to order. Chairman Amico led the Pledge Allegiance and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
II TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Massachusetts Alliance for Municipal Electric Choice – Mr. Read reported that Monday, January 9th he along with Don Howard, Jim Egan, Dave Soper, Bob Overholtzer and Jim Armstrong , had the opportunity to attend a Board of Selectmen meeting in Pembroke to hear a presentation given by Patrick Mehr of the Massachusetts Alliance for Municipal Electric Choice regarding a proposed bill before the Massachusetts house of Representatives, Bill H869. Mr. Read distributed copies of the PowerPoint presentation offered at that meeting. Mr. Read indicated that at the conclusion of Mr. Mehr’s presentation, he requested that the Pembroke Board to endorse Bill H869 and write to Pembroke's legislative delegation, the Governor, the Speaker of the House and the Senate President to ask them to get Bill H869
enacted as soon as possible, which they unanimously chose to do. Mr. Read recommended the Board endorse Bill 869 as well.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to endorse passage of House Bill 869. Voted 5 - 0
Government Operations Review – Mr. Read reported that today he discussed the draft “Report Relative to the Finance and Administration (“First Floor”) Operations of the Town of Hanson, Massachusetts” with representatives of the Collins Center.~ The report on the First Floor operations should be completed by early next week and will be forwarded to all Board members, posted on the website and be made available to all employees and citizens.~ Members of the Collins Center will appear before the Board on February 7th to formally present their findings and recommendations on both the first and second floor.
Budget Update – Mr. Read indicated that he and the Financial Team have met to review the budget requests and they are still in the process of finalizing the data.~ They will be working on the revenue forecast this week. Next week Mr. Read will be attending a meeting of the Mayflower Municipal Health group to discuss Health Insurance rates for FY 13.~ At this time, he is anticipating a 15% increase in the rates.~ He has also used a figure of 10% for a reduction in state aid.~ Mr. Read pointed out that both numbers may change. However, he is moving forward with a conservative attitude at this stage in the process.
Mr. Read informed the Board that the budget format will appear different than what has been presented in prior years, thanks in large part to the abilities and opportunities now afforded with the new financial software.~ Ultimately the omnibus budget article presented to the voters at Town Meeting will consist of two lines for each department – one for salaries and one for expenditures.~ Additionally, he is re-configuring the budget to more accurately capture what occurs in each department most notably, clerical positions will be allocated according to each department (as opposed to the former practice of grouping all clerical positions under the BOS budget line) and the costs associated with utilities will be segregated by department.
Retirements – Mr. Read informed the Board that long-time Moderator, Charlie Mann has informed the Town Clerk that he will not be seeking re-election. May 2012 will be Mr. Mann’s last Town Meeting.
Mr. Read also reported that Fire Fighter John Rothwell is retiring and that Finance Committee member Mike Kelly has resigned. Mr. Read thanked all three gentlemen for their years of service.
III NEW BUSINESS
Open May Annual & Special Town Meeting Warrants – Articles due by March 2, 2012.
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to open the Annual and Special Town Meeting Warrants.
Voted 5 - 0
Police Department Appointment – Leo Arsenau – Chief Savage was present and recommended that the Board appoint Leo Arsenau as a full time police officer to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Brian Snow. Chief Savage informed the Board that Mr. Arsenau has been an auxiliary officer since 1995 and had been on the appointment list last year when Office Michael Bearce was appointed. Chief Savage requested that Mr. Arsenau’s appointment be effective January 23, 2012 as it coincides with the start date of the next police academy.
MOTION by Soper, second by Egan to appoint Leo Arsenau as a full-time police officer. Voted 5 - 0
Representative Daniel Webster – Update on State Budget – Representative Webster gave the Board a brief update on the State Budget indicating that they are just starting the process. They are waiting for preliminary numbers from the Governor and then the legislature will start their work. Representative Webster noted that while there have been increases in tax revenues, he anticipates an approximate 10% cut in local aid. He will continue to push for a local aid resolution which will set the figures for communities in February which will allow the Towns to more accurately budget. Representative Webster will return at the end of February with an additional update.
Review Capital Improvement Plan – Mr. Read reviewed the Capital Improvement plan which was submitted on behalf of the Board. Mr. Read pointed out that only two items are scheduled for funding in the coming fiscal year. He added $5,000 to the Town Hall roof repair as the bids came in higher than expected causing the project to be over the $25,000 threshold. He is negotiating with the contractor. The second item is the annual $25,000 for drainage improvements.
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the Capital Improvement Plan as submitted.
Voted 5 - 0
Appointment to Conservation Comm. – An application for appointment has been submitted by Audrey Hayward 91 Ocean Avenue to fill Phil Lindquist’s vacancy. Chairman Amico feels Mrs. Hayward will do a good job. Mr. Egan and Mr. Soper concurred. The Board reminded Mrs. Hayward that she will be required to abstain from any matters regarding her neighborhood.
MOTION by Egan, second by Soper to appoint Audrey Hayward to the Conservation Commission. Term to expire June 30, 2012. Voted 5 - 0
IV OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS – None Heard
V ONE DAY LIQUOR LICENSES ~ Camp Kiwanee
Christine King, Hanson – Fri., Jan. 13, 2012 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Party
Bill Strait, Hanson – Sat., Jan. 14, 2012 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Bereavement
MOTION by Egan, second by Howard to approve the one day liquor licenses as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VI APPROVE MINUTES
November 15, 2011
December 6, 2011
December 20, 2011
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to approve the minutes as presented. Voted 5 - 0
VII COMMITTEE REPORTS – Energy Committee – Mr. Howard reported that he attended the meeting in Pembroke which was discussed earlier. The Energy Committee will be meeting next week. Maquan School -– Mr. Amico reported that the Maquan School Building meeting has been rescheduled from January 19th. He will submit a report at the next meeting.
VIII EXECUTIVE SESSION - None
IX ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Howard, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0
8:22 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Meredith Marini,
Executive Assistant
Approved and Voted 5 - 0
January 24, 2012
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